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Why The Thistle & Shamrock?Fiona originally picked the name for a one-off, radio program on WFAE-FM in Charlotte, NC, and, like a jaggy thistle leaf, it stuck! The plants in the name are the national symbols of Scotland and Ireland, and those are the homelands of much of the music heard in the series.

The title suggests fellowship between these countries, which appeals to Fiona. Also, as this music is often heard at its most fun, authentic, raw and passionate in pub sessions, Fiona created a name that could easily be seen painted on a pub sign anywhere in the British Isles.

Where can I buy the music you feature?Support your quality local independent music store where you will likely find at least some of the music heard on The Thistle & Shamrock®. Also check your favorite artists’ websites: many provide facilities for mail and internet ordering. www.tayberrry.com is a comprehensive internet and mail order business specializing in hard to find Celtic and folk CDs, DVDs, sheet music and books.

If you are having trouble identifying music you've heard on the show, check our archived playlists. For a complimentary printed set of program playlists, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: The Thistle & Shamrock, P.O. Box 518, Matthews, NC 28106

Can't I just buy copies of your radio programs from you?The music you hear on our radio programs is protected by copyright. If we distributed copies of our programs we would be undermining the livelihoods of musicians, songwriters, producers, studios, engineers, record companies, publishers - people who work to create the great music and entertainment we all value so much. So we say: support the music you love by purchasing the artists' recorded music! (learn more about music piracy at ProMusic.)

Where can I see this music live?Many of the musicians heard on The Thistle & Shamrock® tour throughout the world. Their websites almost always post tour dates and information. Check their websites and let us know which ones you think we should recommend to other listeners.

Can I submit my CD for airplay on your radio programs and podcasts? How?We are always very happy to receive your recorded music, whether it was produced for a major record label, an independent, or as your own in-house production. Just send it along to The Thistle & Shamrock, PO Box 518, Matthews, NC 28106, USA

Why can't I listen to your radio programs here on your website? We do not hold the digital rights that would allow us to offer full tracks of music online. We are investigating how we might obtain such clearances from musicians, record labels, and music publishers, so watch this space! In the meantime, we do offer tasters of great new releases in Thistlepod, our twice monthly podcast .

Is Fiona Irish, Scottish, or what?Fiona was born in Scotland and she is also a naturalized U.S. citizen. She lived in North Carolina for a number of years and is now re-settled in her homeland where she lives with her family. She produces The Thistle & Shamrock in Scotland and still visits the U.S. when she can. For more on her personal background, check our Biography web page.

I am trying to track down music I heard on a broadcast last year. Can I still obtain old playlists?Browse archived plalylists here on our website. If you’d like hard copies, a year's worth of back playlists is available for $10. Send a check payable to The Thistle & Shamrock, to the address mentioned above, mention the year you are looking for, and we'll do the rest. As always, there is no charge if you're only looking for a couple of back playlists or any current set.

My local public radio station doesn't air The Thistle & Shamrock. Is there anything I can do to get the program on the air?We cover most of the United States with our broadcasts, so first check our broadcast schedule to see whether there is a radio frequency in your area which does offer the show. Our list of streaming stations also gives you information on how you can hear the program online at a variety of times through the week.

You can also take time to write to your local public radio station's Program Director expressing your interest in hearing the show. Direct him/her to National Public Radio and to thistleradio.com for more information.

Please keep in mind that public radio is listener-supported, so if your station does air The Thistle & Shamrock, your support during station fundraisers will be greatly appreciated and help ensure that the broadcasts continue. Thanks for playing your part in supporting the music.